Paul's Corner

Hi all.
More Aussie Xmas cheers.
Please note that we also have the benefit of daylight savings, so Xmas comes even faster! Does that make any sense?
Peace and goodwill to you and yours. May the holiday season be happy and safe for each and every one of you.
Peter

Who could write a better Christmas wish? Back at you Paul. Take plenty of pictures.
Merry Christmas to everyone.

Thanks, Paul, for your wonderful wishes! We hope you and Peter and families are still enjoying your Christmas day!

Merry Christmas to all of the beautiful souls who visit at this site. May you all be filled with delight as you share the day with your loved ones.

We are on a road trip, visiting relatives and friends and seeing the sites. (Decided to be a little unconventional this year.) We're in Ft. Stockton, Texas on our way to Austin to see my youngest brother and his wife. The boys were lumps in the bed as Allan read today's weather forecast: good traveling conditions. Then he opened the door. It's snowing. Uh. Hmmm. Well, that will make this Christmas eve unusual for us!

I raise a toast to you all and wish you all peace.

Diane

.... and a very merry xmas to you as well Paul, and to your family, and everyone else with lots of wishes of happiness, love and peace.

Evelyn

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Still Christmas Eve-day here, and we're expecting friends at the house this afternoon: we make pizzas and have snacky foods,(although my friend from Scotland insists on roasting a pheasant, she's so traditional...hey, better than haggis!), drink wine and beer, and then the kids go up to bed, we shut the doors and WRAP, WRAP, WRAP!!! (Well, the friend's wrap, and I do the dishes...it works out well!)

But after getting home at 2:00am from our OTHER friend's house, and having to "work" today, well...let's say I'm ready for some egg nog!

Squeeze your friends and family, furry and non.

Peace,
Dhiana

Now, let's see, Paul, as I type this email it is Tuesday Dec. 24th, 10:00 a.m. in Florida, so go to 10:00 p.m. in Melbourne, add 4 hours, which makes it 2:00 a.m. Christmas Day, and your lovely young ladies (including Andrea) and you will soon be stirring in anticipation of a wonderful day.

By the way, what do you say to a Santa that is struggling down an Australian chimney..."G'day, Mate!"? (I was curious.)

Love,

Grandma (Does anyone need an extra Grandma these days?)

Hey Paul! thanks so so much! I hope u have an awesome Christmas too!! its Christmas Eve today were I am in Tennessee! and I was feeling sorta sad b/c its the first christmas without my great grandmother and your letter made me smile (they always do!) I hope U got everything and more that u wanted! merry christmas AND God Bless U!!
Much Love
Kelli Lynn**

I will be travelling to my mother's in about an hour to spend the next day and a half with my family. So between my dog, my mother's 2 dogs, 3 birds and a cat and my sister's dog, it'll be a full house resembling Noak's Ark.

I've made a lot of great friends here and wish you all a great xmas.

As Dhiana (and my sister) would say: "Blessed Be."

Love to one and all.

Hey Paul!! Thanks so so much for your letter!! they always make me smile and this one made me smile even more!!!! it never hurts to remember that the real reason of celebrating is family and friends giving is always better than receiving!! its Christmas Eve here in Tennessee were It's so not yet christmas =) I hope u got everything and more that u wished for this Christmas!! maybe it'll snow in Melborne!! lol..........hopefully it will here! Merry Christmas AND God Bless u!
Much Love
Kelli Lynn**

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!! To Paul and Andrea and children and to all of the participants of this magnificent site. We almost had a white christmas, the snow went north of us. Tomorrow my husband and I will spend a quiet day at home.
We have christmased with my parents and siblings and son and daughter-in-law will be in New Orleans.
Late congratulations on the 15 years together, isn't it amazing how fast they fly. We celebrated 14 in November.
New agent and agency. Smart move on your part.
When you tire of dog paddling, float a while, reflect on where the dog paddling has taken you and how much farther you need to go.
As for as the shape you are in: M O V E, get up and move. Dance for yourself, with Andrea or the girls, you know it is good exercise so get up and MOVE!! Move or there will be no BBQ and Beer when you get to Texas.
Must get on with the sewing project I've taken on.
MERRY CHIRSTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL READING THIS WONDERFUL THREAD.
Hugs all around,
Sherrlyn

Its not snowing yet here!!! just really gray looking!! maybe it'll snow in the smokey mts!! I hope all of u get snow!! I wish i was little again so I could believe in santa all over!! it was more fun then!! but anyways............I have a funny story though.........I was babysitting last week (a 7yr old boy and 2 3yr old twins ) and the boy (Jamie) was being horrible so I told him that santa wasn't going to bring him anything nice if he didn't start being good..well he goes into the bathroom and stays in there a loong long time, so I go to check on him and I see hair on the sink, he had cut off most of his banges!!! I asked him why in the word he did that..he says Because his mother wanted him to get his hair cut soon and told him that if he didn't santa wouldn't come.............so he thought he'd just cut it off now! wonderful!!! well I asked him why he didn't just tell his mother he wanted to go get it done, he just looked at me and said "But don't u think I look Handsome??" ok yup my heart melted! just had to share that! b/c we all know Santa comes no matter what!!! lol God bless!!

OOh and I should say im fairly new to writing u guys!! I have read alot of what u say and loove to hear it!! I don't know if I am one of the youngest on here..........im 16 and in 11th grade!! but a huge fan of every Baz Luhrmann work and strictly Ballroom!! I live in Knoxville Tennessee! but I have to go I have a christmas eve dinner i have to go to!!! love to all
Kelli

Merry Christmas Paul and everyone!!! A special Merry Christmas to Grandma Mildred!!! Grandmas are extra special!!! Just finished Christmas Eve dinner with my children (21, 16 and 10) and my husband. It was a first dinner all together in about 4 months (eldest son living away from home) so that made it extra special. I love this time of year. Happy New Year also to everyone and let's pray for PEACE....

Hey Paul,

Thanks for your holiday greetings and from me, right back to you. :) I'm sure you had a great Xmas, I can't wait for ours, the presents are already under the tree. Can't wait until my family comes over and we all open it together. :) It's always more fun watching my younger cousins opening the presents, that's the best, and I'm sure it was for you too to watch your kids. Anyway, off to a Christmas party, I hope my designated driver doesn't drink any spiked eggnog. :) Anyway, Merry Christmas again and in a few days, Happy New Year. :)

- Tiffany

Dear Grandma Mildred, What do we say to a Santa stuck in the chimney???? "Hey Santa your beer's getting warm!!" Gets him down the chimney quickly every time!! Especially when it's a Coopers Pale Ale!!

Got to go, cooking the turkey, drinking champagne and now its time to cook the spuds.

Ciao

You know Paul you'd make a good spokesman for Coopers Pale Ale.

Extra grandma? Can you have too many?

Paul and everyone:
It's 10:30ishpm here in Atlanta, GA USA. (UGH) Oh well maybe I'll get outta here one day. In the meantime. It must be 2:30ispm XMAS day for you guys in Oz.
Happy Holidays! Enjoy the rest of your day and spend it enjoying each others company.
All my best
Tim

Happy Holidays to everyone!
It's quiet and snowless here; our guests will
arrive later this week.
Grandma Mildred, I'm out of parents and grandparents both . . . can we adopt each other?
Paul, what are some other traditions down under this time of year, besides the champagne/cooking?
I know nothing about beer, but I think I'll get an education if I hang around here!
Merry Merry, Happy Happy!
Hugs,
Sally

here's wishing the group on this site a safe and happy holiday...

for me, i'll be spending the day with family and friends - can't get any better - lots of laughter, egg nog, more egg nog, story telling, more story telling, food, more food

Dear Paul,

The Aussie kids must be complaining that Santa was late this year...yeah, he was probably in someone's kitchen happily drinking Cooper's Pale Ale! I hope your Christmas was wonderful!

Sally, I would be proud to adopt you! The more the merrier...my husband and I are blessed with 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, but no one lives near us in Florida, not even close!

Do you live anywhere near Florida? Does anyone out there live near Florida? I AM AVAILABLE! (My husband has to think it over.)

Email and the phone keep us connected. We do fly or drive to the New York area to visit 2 of our 3 daughters, in the summer only. Our eldest daughter and her husband have been living in Israel for 27 years. They have 9 children. The three eldest are married and the eldest daughter has the two little children. We worry constantly about them, and we pray for peace in this world!

Paul, I wish you and your family (and everyone on this site) all the blesssings of love, laughter, good health, prosperity, and PEACE in the New Year!

Poor Grandma! All of your little chicks have flown so far! But I guess people have to go away to find jobs and partners and lives. At least, you have email, though I imagine that offers limited comfort. I'm curious how your loved ones found themselves in Israel? Try not to worry Grandma. God hears your prayers and will protect them.

Peace and Love,
Whitney

It snowed here!!! that was a blessing!! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!! that we never forget the real reason to celebrate, and of course looking forward to that egg nog!! ;) Thanks so so much!!! love to all! Kelli

To Paul and All Happy Christmas!!!! Thanks for the well wishes. I am writing this to you from within a very White Christmas. It's snowed about five inches and is still snowing like mad. I can't wait to have the family all togeter in just one hour. I wish all of you the very happiest of days and the best year ever!

Peace and Love,
Innussiq

Whitney, I really appreciate your lovely thoughts about our children in Israel. Our daughter and husband left for Israel right after their wedding in the U.S. 27 years ago. They went for spiritual reasons, and are steadfast in their belief that "Hashem" (Hebrew for God) hears their daily prayers for peace and love.

It was my husband and I that flew the coop, to Florida, the land of sunshine and longevity. I think we found the formula in our retirement community, where at all ages the lucky ones find reasonably good health and activities to suit everyone!

My variety show, which I probably mentioned before, (that's called a senior moment) is a point. I am the "youngster" at almost 70, while the rest of the cast, dancers and singers, are in their middle 70s, 80s+ and one sweet gentlemen is 91 and sings a duet with his girlfriend who is 85!

Paul, "Strictly Ballroom" influenced the theme of this show. I call it "Follies 2003: Love Is In The Air." I wanted to convey wonderful thoughts of nostalgia, and other positive feelings so necessary in these uncertain times.

I guess one could say, "love is in the air"
is definitely around Paul's Corner too!

xxxxxxxGrandma :)

y'all have a cool christmas......... paul enjoy the aussie sun....we are all cold here....no snow this year sniff!!!!
peace and good wishes to all of you!!your families..etc etc

Dear Paul,

This is actually a response to your previous (Nov. 5) posting "I'm not a young spunk anymore!"

First, I'd like to take a minute to explain why I'm here. I first saw "Strictly Ballroom" when I was in grade 7. After a couple months of swooning over "hot Aussie boy" ;) with my best friend, I forgot all about the movie. Just today my friend gave me the 10th anniversary edition DVD for Christmas, and I watched it again (and again, and again...) I love the movie, and I especially love the pure physical athletic expression of the dancing. So I looked up this site to see what you're up to these days...

Now, back to your posting... Although I can't empathize with you on the age thing (I'm still only 20), I feel similar worries about my "career". My athletic career, that is. Just this past September, I won the World Rowing Championships as part of the USA women's eight. In November, I injured my back and haven't been able to train. At the time, my coach told me that I have to do uber-cross-training-plus-physical-therapy to maintain fitness/recover if I'm to be considered for next year's national team. That stressed me out greatly, especially since my schoolwork (I'm a student at Harvard) was generally making my life miserable at the same time. I knew I didn't have enough time or energy for all he demanded, plus school.

You know what I did? I ignored my coach. I decided to take the time off that I needed to rest my back and my mind, too. Yes, I feel fat and out of shape because I haven't been training. I worry that I won't be back in shape in time to make the team next summer, especially when I look at pictures of myself at Worlds, up on the medal's stand with that gold medal. ("Damn, how am I gonna get that buff again?! And even if I do, will I ever be up there on the medal's stand again??")

And then I remember the big picture. There's plenty of time. Even when you're older - what are you, 39? - there's still plenty of time to live (or relive?) your dreams. Even if I don't make the team next summer, there's still the Olympics the year after that. And another Olympics four years after that. And if that doesn't happen, just redefine your dreams. Watching Strictly Ballroom again reminded me of an old passion of mine. My New Year's resolution is to use the time that I used to spend training to take some more dance classes. So thank you for that inspiration.

Don't worry about the people that tell you you're too old/out of shape for this TV show or that movie. Ignore them (as I did my coach!) Do things because you love to do them and because it makes you happy, not because someone else tells you to or you feel you should. (Yes, I know. It's a horribly overused cliche, but what can I say? It's true.) Do you still dance? Sounds like far more fun than the acting business to me. And that Beer Brewery-Cafe... great idea! (Personally I like The Beer Cafe as a name. Just because one normally associates a Cafe with coffee, so it's a refreshing juxtaposition.) And, of course, your family - most important thing there is, period.

By the way, don't worry that your daughters think "it is no longer cool to hold dad's hand or be seen to be too hip hop with the old fat dude." It's a phase common to all teenage girls, which has nothing to do with their dad. I thought my dad (who's now 62) was unbearably embarrasing when I was in middle school. Now I think he's the coolest dad out there, and I bring him along and show him off every chance I get! Just wait; they'll come around. :)

Paul, you're inspiring, and you will continue to be so no matter what. I hope you know that, and that it makes you smile.

So, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Caryn

P.S. Where does your sister live in Upstate NY? I'm from Ithaca.

Caryn
Wow. I'm a fan of Paul's. You may have read some of my posts. I'm 42 going on 52. You're post is very inspiring. You have a maturity that I wish I had when I was 22. I was smart and graduated from college and thought I had all the answers but was too stupid to see the bombs I was walking all over.
You are so very LUCKY to have such incredible insight at such a young age. You are absolutely right. There are things that can be postponed and aspired for and in the meantime you enjoy what you have. It's hard, but it can be done.
Welcome to the board. I hope you'll post again.
Tim

Hey Caryn and everyone else!! what u said about seeing strictly ballroom in 7th grade and just now getting the dvd and seeing it again, is really sorta how I became a fan, im only 16 but I saw strictly ballroom when I was about ten or so and loved it, I had been taking ballet then and asked my mom if I could take ballroom dancing lessons............but here in tennessee they don't have ballroom dancing....mostly just tap and clogging and ballet, so I toke tap, lol I resently saw strictly ballroom again after getting the Red Curtain Box set of Baz Luhrmanns and watched it all over again!! ;) it was great!! and I know I'll keep watching it all over again!! ;) talk to yall soon!!!

Merry Christmas and may everyone have a fulfilling new year! Sometimes the fun part about getting older is that we have more things to look back on and re-cherish.

Cheers from Canada,
Jane

Hey guys,

Christmas was wonderful this year. Lovely evening with just my immediate family on Christmas Eve. We danced, ate, played games and watched it snow like crazy. Gave and recieved many gifts, got a nice Christmas bonus with strict orders to spend it all in Las Vegas. Officially passed my last two classes. Had a really great holiday and hope everyone else did as well. Lots to be grateful for. Thanks for the wishes of peace and love from everyone.

Sallie

Welcome Caryn, yes your post did make me smile and feel really good about myself. Thankyou for reminding me that listening to your heart and soul is intrinsic to being who you are. When ever we get advice or even give it to someone else it comes always from a perspective that perhaps does not belong to the advice given. ie your coach etc. All menat well but maybe not right for you. What is right only you can fathom.

Recapturing the past is only possible in our day dreams. But to attain goals and dreams we set for ourselves now is very possible and you reminded me of that. I like goals and I like dreams, with them you have some where to go - with out them you are lost. All things change, that is one of the unchanging rules of life - and so it is appropriate that we have juxtoposition and balance - all things change and there fore the rule that must go hand in hand with that rule is - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, believe in that and it changes into 'any thing is possible'

Thankyou Caryn for reminding me of that.

Tim, I love reading your posts and hearing your thoughts but I am going to have to tell you off for being unduly negative about yourself. Have a winge - I do - search for answers - I do - be honest about your feelings - I am - but take care to not put yourself down - 42 going on 52????? Too stupid to see the bombs? maybe too young, too brave, too strong, too arrogant, too immature, too busy even....... too stupid...ahhh, isnt that the way of youth my friend? Tis brings me to a post I shall start in the new year and have been wanting to start for a while, to do with regrets and disappointment. But wait until I start it!

In the mean time a thought for all of us. When we think of ourselves and our actions past and future lets look at how we think of them or hold them in our minds. If you find yourself being overly judgemental and or negative about them then go a little deeper and see if you can find the greater truth to that feeling. Lets build ourselves up!

Hopes and Dreams, I see what your saying, Im glad your holding on to them, I wish I had them, I have know idea what to do with my life after high school. Do I really have hopes and dreams?? I suppose get married and have kids, I already know how many I want and when I want to get married, its sorta silly I guess. no I guess really I do have hopes and dreams just don't know how to use them! School gets stressful, plus having a part time job along with it, which I had to quit because of school work, and I do feel worries about my career choice, I have many of them ;) why is this time in life like that..............
Also as Carlyn said to you, Paul, about not worrying about what people say, thats hard and that takes strength, only one thing comes to mind and its so simple but everyone says it to me and it always makes me stop and think.............just to Follow you dreams, even if they are fuzzy like mind!! ;) am I being to bold...........?

Kelli, I think you should follow your dreams and is that being too bold? I don't think so!!!! How else will you find out what makes you truly happy and fullfilled? And use your time in college to explore those different interests and career choices, don't feel like you have to decide on day one and even if you decide on a career choice now or soon, don't let it trick you into thinking that you will have to do this for the rest of your life. Careers also take on a life on their own and change on their own or you can change them whenever you want to (perhaps not always at the exact time you want to ... ). As I look back on my own career choice and professional interests, this summer when I seriously doubted my choice, I all of a sudden noticed that except for architecture all of the other career choices I seriously considered they all became part of my professional experience in ways I never imagined and that's when I decided for now it really is a very good fit Towards the end of high shool, I did listen to my relatives and other people who tried to tell me what I should study & do with my life, but I did not take their advice, because I knew I would not be happy as a computer engineer or as a pharmacist. You have to live your own life and perhaps that's where it becomes "being bold, doing your own thing" when others try to tell you otherwise. Just my thoughts on this subject matter, but listen to your own soul's voice as your guide, just as much as very wise Caryn did.
Thank you Caryn for sharing this part of your life. It is very inspirational!!!!

Now I will pay my family another phone visit (this will be the fifth in 3 days :)), since I don't get to be physically with them, I at least can hang out with them over the phone and share the Holidays with them that way, especially since it is still Xmas there (we have two days of Xmas and of course Xmas Eve is also very big).

to innussiq and all who enjoyed a white christmas, a little part of me is green with envy cuz i was hoping nashville would get snow-kissed for my visit here. still a great x-mas, though.

paul, i sure hope you're getting some royalties off these strictly ballroom and baz luhrmann dvd sets getting snatched up this x-mas.

now, on to the countdown to 2003, auld lang syne, midnight kisses and all that. a drink to the past and a toast to the future.

cheers.

It's the day after Xmas and we had a couple of inches of snow here in West Virginia. I guess a few might know that the largest U.S. lottery ticket was sold just a few miles away from me: $300+ million; I didn't purchase it or we'd be having a very large party. I hope the best for the fortunate person, but I'm sure it's more likely that my success will come from hard work at something I love to do, not a lottery ticket though I do play every once in awhile just in case!.

You're welcome Grandma. I admire your children's conviction and I'm grateful for the prayers they make on behalf of everyone. Other than the fact that it seperates you from family, I'm glad you moved to Florida. You should make yourself as comfortable as possible. That's where every good West Virginian goes when it's time to relax (I think we annexed the state). We have terrible Winters! I have a friend there and I keep promising to visit. I think he and his wife live at a place called Palm Harbor (west coast of FL). Are you very far away?

Sallie: congratulations on passing those two classes! Where's the party? I'm up for a roadtrip!

Caryn: sounds like you've got this figured out. Your "can do" attitude will get you on that podium and, if not, you'll succeed at whatever you choose because you aren't afraid to "redefine your dreams". Don't let anyone tell you "what's possible". 20 is just a baby, but I must say that, from personal experience, a back injury is different from other types of booboos. Just do your research and do your rehab.

Speaking of backs, Peter, I was curious about the injuries you mentioned (that was you wasn't it?). It's ok if you don't want to talk about them, of course.

Let's get ready for the New Year! Party at Paul's! Just kidding.

p.s. to Paul: Because the library was closed for the holidays, I had to rent from Block Buster. I found "E from E" in the "comedy" section and watched.

Well, now I know why all these people feel that they can comment on your bum with such authority. To put it simply, I enjoyed your "acting", but, in my unschooled opinion, I didn't feel they developed your character enough. Still, it's a feather in your cap to have starred in a movie with Dan Akroyd and your considerable "talents" were immortalized. If you ever feel bad about doing that movie, go to your library and get a copy of "The Gambler" starring Matthew Modine and Faye Dunaway.

And even if you don't get any royalties from the box set that Texas spoke of, you're certainly getting free publicity and that's never bad! Work it Paul!

Best to all!

Whitney, the party is in Las Vegas on the 23rd of January. I opted for gambling and drinking instead of just drinking. You're more than welcome to join!

An important thing I've learned in my short 31 years of life is that there are two side to every situation you experience in life. Seeing both side helps me to enjoy whatever place I'm at. Example, I'm 31 and single. As a younger person I always thought there was something missing if I didn't have a potential husband on my arm but now I realize there are just as many good things about being single as there are with being with someone. The good and the bad things are exactly the same but opposite. If that makes any sense.

It's like this. When you're with someone there is sharing, compromise, alot of giving and the desire to take care of someone elses needs. These are all good things. But you don't have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want to. And I've realized that, after a while, people in both situations desire the one they are not in. If you really think about it this "two sides to every coin theory" applies to most situations in life, career, school, money, love, family, children etc.. People spend a lot of time thinking about what they don't have and don't see the good in what they do. When I realized this I stopped feeling incomplete.

I think the stuggles that Paul is experiencing are a good example. He was exteremly famous for a time and now he's having a rough patch in his acting career but he sees both sides and appreciates them. World traving, successful actor and loving, father and husband with a regular job. Two opposite ends of the spectrum but both equally fulfilling. Dreams and goals are very important but it really doesn't matter where you end up as long as you can see the what's good about any situation you are in.

Love,
Sallie

I've never been to Vegas, but I've wanted to see it for some time. If I'm not teaching, it would be fun to meet you and your friends. I'm not much of a gambler, but I'd enjoy trying.

About the benefit analysis on dating, I too, came to that conclusion a few years ago. There are some definite shortcomings to a marriage-like or otherwise relationship and I've got to admit that I'm not missing the hassles. Still, if I met the right person, I'd try again. There's just too much good in a genuine relationship. Sharing is more fun! I think it would be worth the problems; at this point, I might handle things better. Oh you're right; the grass is always greener!

They advanced the WV Powerball lottery winner 10 million for spending money. They can't give the cash out all at once. He's taking the money and gets a little over 100 million after paying taxes. I thought it was interesting that when he was asked if he felt lucky, he replied, "No. I'm blessed.".

Texas, you might have missed the post regarding the refusal by Baz and Co to pay me a fee for the rights to use me in the give away dvd for the box set. So the quick answer to you is I get nothing from any of the sales - never have and I guess I never will. Bummer!! Nor do I get royalties from the film.

Anyone buying these sets - please let me know if they have included: a. a fourth dvd full of behined the scenes type footage from all three movies
b. If I am in any of this footage
c. If the Strictly Ballroom dvd has behind the scenes footage and if I am in any of it.

Sallie, Whitney, Kellie, As I have said before the secret to life is to enjoy it - no matter where you are or what is going on in your life - if you can find joy in the experience (sometimes a very challenging task)then you can find joy in the expressing of living. The past and the future are great devices to gauge where you have been and where you are going - very important elements/lessons/guidelines to living. The present is the important one. To live the past or the future in the now means you are not living the now. It means you cannot find joy in the now as your too busy living what has passed and/or what you hope to come. I do this all the time!!! To live fully in the now is to fully appreciate and be grateful for the experience of being you. Maybe it is not possible to do this 24/7 - unless you are Buddha - but to have moments of this through out your day is possible and highly recommended!!

I have dreams, goals, aspirations, past, present and future. They are important elements to life. Just as important is too let them all go once in a while and live free from all of them unencumbered to just be one with the joy of being alive, of being you.

I attain this state occassionally, but I always hope for it. And it does feel good to let go: just operate on faith, but that's rare too. It's hard to walk that fine-line between doing "my part " and "going with the flow". You know what I mean? I'll keep your encouragement in mind. I think we may have read the same book. I agree with you.

Evelyn- Thank you so so much for your words, It does help to here that!! I know I must always try hard in everything I do, thanks Paul for reminding me of staying true and enjoying life, and of course staying true to your dreams as well as your self!!! I know I'll find mine soon!! ;) love to all Kelli

Paul,

Regarding part c. of your request:
There are backstage pictures of you on the Strictly Ballroom DVD. It's not footage - just snapshots. Are you supposed to get moeny for that sort of stuff?

All,

Paul's right about living for the present. One of the ways I've found to do this is yoga. That's the main principle they teach you - to live in the moment by concentrating on the sensations your body is feeling.

If yoga's not your cup of tea, you can get the same effect anytime, anywhere, by simply asking yourself: What does the air feel like going in and out of my lungs? What does the ground feel like beneath my feet? What sensations am I feeling right now?

Some windy days I'll be walking through the Yard and find myself smiling because it's just so wonderful to breathe the crisp air, to walk and feel my body move, and to watch the world going by. At times like that your heart soars.

That's the sort of feeling you get when you're dancing, huh Paul? And the sort of thing I feel rowing. Sometimes you have to go back to the basics - to the simple joys - to remember why you love life.

cpd

Paul
When I wrote that post about 42 on 52...that's just how I feel. Time is going by so fast; TOO fast. Bombs in the way..yeah that is the bliss of youth, if you handle it right and listen to your "coaches" or other people that might have a postive influence on you. As I posted back in the very beginning I was an "active" alcoholic till I was 29 and that accounts for a lot of why I am where I am today. YES I'm sober. YES I do have a beautiful family. HIT me if I can't stay happy about thought that some days it feels like the sky is falling. Our gas and water were cut off this past week and I got them turned back on the same day. Today the day after X-Mas we woke up and phones had been disconnected. So had to run out and make a partial on that. Merry Fucking Christmas from BellSouth.
Just watched The Sweetest Thing. Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate and Selma Blair had me in tears. The lead guy Thomas Jane. Now there's a guy you should look at his site. www.thomasjane.com If you're feeling bad about weight. In Deep Blue Sea...well let's just say he's probably closer to Paul in SB...then there's The Sweetest Thing. Clearly a larger man. But I gotta tell you. He was funny as hell. Point being...the audience doesn't care. Performance is the key. Great comedic timing (in this case).
Ok...I'll get out of the dregs tomorrow and go to work and be happy about it.
It's a wage right? well commission...no vacation, no bene's, no sick time, but you can still get fired...Hmmmm
I'm one of those people whose depression goes into full gear at christmas...it just makes me think about people I miss and a lot other things...I wish I could lighten up.
I'm glad you like my posts Paul. I like reading your threads and responding.
2003 is just around the bend. A whole new year.
tim

I'm sitting here watching James Earl Jones in an interview where he's talking about receiving the Kennedy Award. Clearly his shape has grown larger over the years. For him, it appears to be about acting, but from seeing many movies, obviously a good actor does best in well written and directed films.

Caryn sounds like she's got "the moment" thing figured out. There's nothing like sunshine and fresh air to bring you into it.

Tim I think we're living the same life in parallel universes. In mine, I have to go through disconnects all by myself. I didn't have a phone for 5 years once. Last time I left it off for 5 months. I wouldn't put anything past those bastards at Bell. Glad you were able to get it on so quickly.

From reading your post, it's clear you know what chemical depression is. Not everyone's experienced it and it's hard for them to imagine the mental sensation and how it envelopes you. Just keep reminding yourself that it will eventually pass. You know working towards a dream helps keep me going. Do you have one? What does it take to start making it come true for you and your family?
I love this quote:
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to." Epictetus

What do you want to be? I really believe you can start a new life at 42. That's why we're all grappling with the issue? It's now that we can still do something different. We're at the crossroads.

Goodmorning Grandma!

Good day to you Paul (what's the time difference?). I guess they own those photos from the DVD because they were paying the photographer that took them. It would have been nice to see the back scenes footage you mentioned. It sounds like they cut off their nose to spite their face. Greed sucks!

Whitney: If your friends live on the west coast of Florida, it could be quite a distance from us, in some areas. We have yet to go to the west coast, for we live on the east coast, near the cities of Miami, Boca Raton, and 20 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. We are planning on a trip to the west coast in the New Year.

Last year, answering the first fan letter I had ever written, Tara Morice wrote me that she had visited Ft. Lauderdale, as part of a publicity tour of the United States, on the opening of "Strictly Ballroom" in Florida. (1993) I missed her completely, for we had just retired in Florida, and we were busy getting settled. I could kick myself!

Then, I learned that you, too, Paul, had been touring our country on the publicity tour, probably New York and Los Angeles. Tara was to later to state to an interviewer that the tour was a very lonesome time for her. (She was then about 29 yrs. old.)

It took me until 2001 to rediscover "Strictly Ballroom", when I used it as one of the films in a film seminar that I give in our retirement community...now, I can't let it go, and neither
can the retirees...many have seen it more than once, Paul, and excuse me if I repeat (no senior
moment here) that they think your acting and your dancing are superb! If Mr. Baz intends to put "Strictly Ballroom" on the stage on Broadway, he will never be able to recreate those precious moments between you and Tara, especially the "Perhaps" number, and when you answer her so softly, "You're better than all of them" and then when she says, "We won't win" and you reassure her, "I just want to dance our steps" with that smile. Oh, be still my heart!

These gifts that you possess are still within you, Paul, and with the coming New Year, we all hope that all your hopes and dreams will come to fruition.

Love you,

Grandma

Paul, The Strictly ballroom DVD has pictures of you and even a piece called "Scott and Fran" but no live pieces just pictues mostly of you and Tara, if you listen to the DVD commetary w/ Baz, Catherine Martin, and John O'Connell, they of course talk alot about you. I can't believe they didn't give you anything for the DVD, they were sold out on Thanksgiving and I had to special order mine so I know its doing very well here. But know matter what I think we al know the real reson we all see Strictly ballroom, its of course to see you dance!!
Grandma Mildred~ you can be my grandma! ;), mine is going to Floria for two months to see my aunt, in Ft Meyers. How is it there in the east coast? I wish it were warm were I am!!! Im freezing! and the snow melted away!!
Caryn~ I love reading your emails you very wise! ;) I hope I'm where you are now after I graduate! I guess it just takes time.
hope everyone is doing wonderful!!! Have a great week!!

hi!
paul dont worry about being an old dad....YOU'RE NOT!!!!!
let me tell you about myself ..im 18...my dad is 72(!!!i know!!!)my mom died when i was very young sooooo..my guardians are 66 and 74..and they are more lively than i am.i am so proud of them!!today me and my guardian were out dancing on the street to irish music..she kept spinning around like crazy..lol it was so funny..my dad is the same any excuse to party and play music, and flirt with other wemon which does not go down well with me!!..my other guardian decided he will go build a wall outside his sons house...i almost forgot he also only has one lung working!!i insisted that they go to my graduation with me because i knew that if its really boring they will start the party..so even tho the years may be catching up with you..children are never afraid to hang with their parents .no matter what age they are ..in fact the older they get the more fun they are!!thank you cyarn(sp?) for sharing your story about your dad and you it encouraged me to write this!

peace be the journey!!

Kelli, I will be happy to be a surrogate Grandma to you while your Grandma is in Florida! She should have a grand time, for although the weather here the past few days has been a little nippy (in the high 60s, tee hee!) in the months of January, Febr., and March it is downright tropical!

I also appreciate those lovely young ladies that wish for my services as Grandma....Sally, Whitney, and maybe Cathy...just don't write for money...don't call me, I'll call you!!

Tricia, so glad you approve of us "seniors" (That covers a multitude of ages!) I always say that age is like good wine (or is it like Cooper's Beer) where the older it is the better it is! (I'd drink to that, but I never touch the stuff!)

Cheers and love,

Grandma

Being my granny won't cost you a dime. Darn my friends for living on the wrong side of Florida! Your side is the hippest! I hear there's a real fine art scene in South Miami. Do you have any connections Grandma? Sculptors need agents too! I need gallery representation. Just remember my work is "nonrepresentational" and I'll pay you a commission.

Responses like Grandma's, to scenes from SB and other fantastic movies are one reason I'm exploring scriptwriting. People don't enjoy sculpture in the same way they love movies and I doubt that many folks are getting anything out of contemporary abstract sculpture.

Is this how I want to spend the rest of my life? Is there something I would enjoy as much, that would allow me to perform more of a service to society: entertainment, distraction, enlightenment, anything? Of course I have to have a good time working and hopefully it ties into one of my natural talents (oh yeah, and I have to feed myself).

To everyone
I had a nice long day with happy clients and plenty of breaks to think about "things." Well here's some of what I thought about. I said to myself. What am I really proud about. Why am I always so fucking sad/mad/depressed/unhappy/miserable/detached
That list was too long and involved THE PAST. Everybit of what is wrong with me is in the past. I can't change it.
What has gone right? WHAT?
1. My mom was from a family of 12. Poor people in southern GA. Out of those 12 came 25 grandchildren. I was the first to graduate college. Now I think 3 have all together. I'm damn proud of that. I was committed to being different.
2. I vowed I would not live in a trailer park (no offense to anyone who may live in one...but been there done that as a child and well that was a personal goal). I wanted an ALL Brick ranch. At least 2 bathrooms. 2 car garage. Big lot. Well it's not what's IN right now, but that's exactly what I bought when I was 28. Except I have a full basement built out and an inground pool with a slide and a 1000sf deck built around it for some outstanding summer parties.
3. I wanted to do something in the entertainment field. Well I travelled around the country working for FOX co-producing events for them. Met several of their television celebrities. Went to some movie premieres and saw all the "IN" people (Liar Liar, Little Big Leaque). I also worked with UPN doing their parties and events. Good right?
4. I always wanted to tap. Always. So now I'm taking it with my sons. Why am I so sad...I love it, he loves, my youngest son loves it. We play radical headbanger music on the way to class and they "air drum" all the way there. I love them.
5. I always wanted a daughter. I thought that was over. We certainly weren't planning anymore. I had just missed having the snippy snippy surgery and the drugs I was on pretty much kept me "dry" or so we thought. But, now I have one. She's beautiful. She looks at me and breaks out into a smile and giggles and I just lose it inside. It's such an unconditional type of love and reaction they have. It's so special. They reach into your soul with their eyes and won't let go.
6. I kept trying to write. I've been trying to write a story or a play or something for years. Something in my head crying to come out. A screen play. I wrote it. I even subjected myself to criticism by allowing this ex Disney guy to bleed it to death. But it felt good. I did it. It's not on screen..probably never will be, but I tried.
7. My mother was in a near fatal accident when I was 12. The night before I remember I got mad at her and was mean to her that morning of the wreck. I barely spoke to her when she dropped me off for school. I remember later that afternoon seeing the mangled mess of what was our car being towed past my school. The horror I felt when a girl I knew from school described the woman they pulled from that car with her brains hanging out. Getting to the hospital and finding out it was my mom. I made a vow then as I prayed that night that I would never ever ever be mad with my mom if God would save her. I don't know if that's what really saved her, but I do know she survived. And I never ever said another bad word to her. We always talked things out. I always kissed her goodnight as long as I lived at home. The last day she was with us (the day before she died) I hugged her and kissed her good night and goodbye..I just didn't know it was going to be such a long goodbye. But I'm proud of learning early that my mom was intelligent and special. I never took her for granted. I could tell her anything. I miss that, but I had her with me for 37 years of my life.
When I was a child I was grossly overweight. 120 pounds (what's that 54 1/2 kg) at age 9. Over 200 at my HS graduation. I lost down to 148 in college. Very skinny. Looked like shit..as I look back at the pictures. But I CHANGED. I got rid of something I didn't like.

I always wanted to be a cosmetologist. I hated being a CPA...sucks. So I did it. I'm working at it now. Of course I thought I'd move out to LA and work on films and be the next Jose Eber. WRONG. I could. I'm sensational with color. People will line up for my chair. The hairdressers I work with that have been doing it full time for 30 years like to watch me color. But it won't even keep my utilities on. But hey I DID IT right? (looks like going back to the CPA world and school is what's ahead but that's not what this post is about)

In HS I thought I wanted to major in Veterinary medicine. I was pulling great grades so in my sophomore year I signed up for a two year correspondence course with the North American School of Animal Sciences..based out of Newport Beach Calif. I thought it'd be a cinch. It was hard. But I graduated right after I graduated HS with a 99 average.
I started college with a PreVET major, but later dropped it for Accounting and Computer Science. As if I weren't busy enough, HS was a bit boring so I started College during my Senior year b/c some of friends did it and I wanted to do it too.
Looking back I must have been crazy. But, I DID IT. I made things happen for myself. I'm proud of that. If I could but harness that energy back into my being...what it felt like to look out into the future and see an open book instead of the back of the hardback of the book of life pressed against the table looking closer and closer everyday.
I hated HATED growing up in a small town. Brunswick, GA is not wonderful. There are the islands St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons, Cumberland (via another town or a sailboat). I loved my friends. I loved the water. Sailing, water skiing. I miss them very much. But Eva Gabor and I had a lot in common, "I simply adore a Penthouse view dahling I love ya but give me Park Avenue." I wanted tall buildings, bright lights. New York, LA, San Fran...well I made it to Atlanta.
Well this post is LONG...but today I felt compelled to share with you guys who've put up with some of my truly bad moments some of those things that occasionally pop into my head that remind me that there are treasures yet to be found.
I hope I might meet some of you some day. It would be wonderful to have a Mocha Frappacino at Starbucks in Miami with Grandma..I'd love to see your show. Paul & Peter...I'd love to have a beer with you guys. Except I don't drink so I'd have to have a Diet Coke.

Well...gotta go. The treadmill, yep that's right..the treadmill is calling my name for a 30 minute visit. Wish me luck.

thanks for "listening"
Tim

I wish you could have had a better high school experience. Personally, there was a point when I realized sadness had become a habit. Could you be so used to being sad that you've forgotten the alternative (chemistry aside)?

You have incredible successes to build on! Considering what you've done; I can't imagine there being anything you can't do. I tell myself "I stopped smoking for 14 years; I can do anything if I can do that!". Of course, when you can't shake the blues, none of this matters.

You've been true to yourself as much as you could. Is there an angle to the cosmotology career that you haven't explored? How can you go back to CPA; you hate it? Knock on some more doors and ask some more questions. You've been too brave to give up now.

Thanks for keeping me posted on your health routine. Jan. 1st is fast approaching and I'm trying it get that mental determination going. You inspire me.
Whitney

ps Goodnight Grandma

I read a quote today about judgement (Nov. 17 topic) that I really liked:

"I will not accept you for who you are. Instead, I will treat you as who I think you can become, for that will help you to do so." (sorry, can't remember who said it)

I think you have to do the same for yourself. Self-judgement is not a bad thing, as long as it is done with love, and with self-improvement as the goal.

Rented Exit to Eden today. Interesting. Very interesting. I can't wait to go back to school and show it to my roommate, who currently has sitting in her closet a pleather catsuit, a leather whip, rope, "The Guide to Getting It On" (great book!), and duct tape (never leave home without it!) ...Wow, perhaps that's a little more than y'all wanted to know, eh? Actually, they were all gag gifts for her birthday. Heheh.

Seriously, though, Paul. The S&M was all very nice, but I'd really like to see more of you DANCING!! Ballet, modern, anything. Is there something you'd recommend seeing for that? Also, what was up with the American accent? Au natural is so very much better. After all, who can resist that sexy Australian accent??

Signed,
a girl who can't ;)

Whitney, What you said about having a better high school experience is what Im trying to have right now. I've been in high school for 3 and a half years and so far its been so stressful. I've found that having good friends is the key to high school, still sometimes there is peer pressure, for me its not pressure about drugs...ect....its pressure to be the better student, to get into the best college, to choose the better career and have the better grades than any other student. everyone compares things at school. the big question on everyones mind is "how am I going to make the most money out of my career choice" when even though thats a part if it, isn't it also to choose a career that will make you happy?? so what college should I go too??? I guess I have to try not to judge myself to other people, and then theres part of me that is to scared to pick a college because what if they don't take me, even if my grades are high. its all very confusing in highschool.........maybe its that way for everyone...........

Stop the presses! I found the section on "A Life's Burning Desire". Anything else you'd recommend?...

Kelli,

It sounds like you're going through exactly what I went through my senior year in high school. I just about went nuts trying to pick a school.

On the one hand, it was all very nice because I was being wooed as a rowing recruit by all the top schools - trips, parties, visits and cards and candy from the coaches... you name it, I got it! On the other hand, it was so very stressful - I thought choosing the "right" school was the most important decision of my life.

Wanna know a secret? It's not as big a deal as you think it is. Everyone your age is stressing about it right now and you all feed off each other, but honestly you'll probably be happy wherever you go. And if you're not, you can always transfer.

Here's my advice for now: apply to all the schools that you think you want to go to, and aim high! (Plus a few "safety schools") Don't worry about choosing a "top choice" until you know where you've been accepted. And don't fret if you're not accepted. It's not the end of the world.

Here's some advice one of my teachers gave me to pick between two schools: flip a coin. I know, sounds crazy, but hear me out. If it lands showing one of the schools, and your gut reaction is relief, go there. If it's disappointment, go to the other school. The key to this trick is to listen to your heart and your instincts.

And by the way, don't stress about your grades or career choices right now. All those people who say high school is the best/most important time of your life? Bullshit! And goodness knows you don't need to have a career in mind yet! Just do what interests you for now. What are you passionate about? I know tons of people who are about to graduate from college and STILL don't know what they're going to do (including me!) But the ones who are happy are the ones who did what they love, not what they think would get them a career to earn the most money.

If you'd like to talk about all this in more length, feel free to email me. (cpdavies@fas.harvard.edu) I'll do my best to keep being "wise", as you said. :) Good luck.

Caryn

Dear Paul,

I just read some articles about how you hate it that people only think of you as a dancer, and that Strictly has been a bit of a typecasting curse. I hope that's not the way it comes across when I ask for more stuff on your dancing. I guess I'm not really helping you live in the present, am I? Sorry.

Actually, I think it's a sign of your acting skill that people fell in love with you as a ballroom dancer. Tricked 'em all, eh? ;) There's nothing worse than watching an expert who can't act! And that's certaintly not you. But I want to see more of you dancing because that's what I identify with most, as an athlete.

Beer's good, too, though. I like beer. :) Ever since the summer I worked in Germany. Mmmm. I'd have to say Weissbier is my favourite. Are you gonna serve any of that at your cafe?

cpd

Hey Caryn, Thanks for your advice, I will keep that to heart. your very right about everyone who says High school is the most important years of your life, it really isn't because if it was there wouldn't be much to look for afterwards! ;) I'll let you know of course what colleges I deside to go for....i'll keep hopeing, and remember what Paul and the others said, Enjoy life!! Live for the Present!! ;) thanks again!!
Kelli

uh tim...care to vent? (lol) christ, you post some funny stuff...i hadn't stopped laughing from some of your other posts and now you go and post this!!! there must be a script in there someplace!! but you got it right...the hurting is the past and treasures ahead - you're getting there...

kelli-(think you already know this)but don't make a career choice on what makes the most money...choose what will make you the most happy...the rest will follow...yeah, yeah, i know you need rent money...but do you really need ???? and ????? and you're right, high school is confusing for everyone..

and tiffany - finally found pmercurio on the jgroban site...looks great, but had difficulty in locating that particular post...did i miss something? doesn't matter i guess, found it and some other interesting reads while strolling through...thanks...

later......

Bluedog..glad I made you laugh. I do have an intrinsic ability to make people laugh. At our xmas party everyone had to write a couple of lines about all their peers. What our best quality was and why they stated such. Mine all came back with having a great sense of humor and keeping them laughing all day. Can you believe that? I should act.
Kelli..Wow you're in THAT place. You've gotten some great advice. I remember when I was at that point 20+ years ago. Everyone was paranoid about picking the right school. Everyone was also paranoid about selecting a major. Here's some 20+ year old advice. It's already been said, but here it is again. Don't worry about your major yet. It'll come to you. School? Personally I'd go somewhere far away. Apply everywhere. Univ of Calif, New Mexico, Wyoming, NYU, Harvard...get the picture. If I had it all to do over I would have gone away to one of those off the wall schools that accepted me. New environment, friends, people don't know you're history. You are simply who youwant to be. You don't bring any luggage with you. But in the final analysis...it's your decision. Don't let anybody tell you any different.
Tim

Dear Paul and All,

First off, my husband and I saw the new movie "Chicago" and we had such a grand time! It was visually a knockout, and the songs and dances were remarkable! (The Broadway version is still playing...on Broadway!)

Now, don't get me wrong..nothing can replace "Strictly Ballroom" in my heart, for the theme of "Chicago" was dark, where in crime ridden Chicago of the 1920s, two women are accused of shooting their lovers, and are in jail awaiting trial...(and this is a musical?)

It stars Catherine Zeta Jones, a knockout physically, and a natural dancer. Her co-star is that cutie Renee Zelwiger (sp) with the high voice, but she's no slouch in the dancing department either! (When we saw Zeta Jones in her first movie with Antonio Bandares years ago ("The Mark of Zorro") I remarked to my husband, "she's going to be a big star someday!"

The movie did not have the choreography of Bob Fosse, like the Broadway show has. The director, and choreographer is one new guy...Rob Marshall, and what a job he does!

What made this movie so special was, that at the end, the audience applauded, and stayed in their seats to watch the end credits!!! I haven't seen that since I first showed "Strictly Ballroom" in our retirement community!

This is the first musical since "Moulin
Rouge"...(Ugh) People ran for the exits in the middle of that one! I only stayed to look for Tara Morice's name and role at the end..."Prostitute" it said..I wanted to weep!

In my show, at the end, I have two 70+ year old dancers and one singer doing the same song and dance that is in the end of "Chicago." I believe these two ladies of mine will be showstoppers also!

Tim and Whitney: I believe there is computer software for "Screenwriting." Check it out! The old days of typewriters, etc., are long gone, and new technology abounds everywhere!

Tim, don't give up your colorist job! Here in Florida every other retired lady has her hair colored, and there are more blondes here than in Hollywood! I, myself, prefer to keep my silver locks, and all I need is a haircut, for I am blessed with "wash and wear" hair!

In the upscale cities like Boca Raton, FL, a haircut can run as much as $95 (or more) and a tip $25 or more! An experienced and talented colorist would be in high demand in any shop in south Florida! What's so special is that most older women still want to look good...it's good for the morale!

Tim, I would love for you to come to Florida and see my show! In fact, Whitney, if I had been as lucky as that rich guy from West Virgina, and won that lotto jackpot, I would invite EVERYONE to come to Florida, (Paul and family too), and I WOULD PAY THE BILLS! (yeah, yeah, in your dreams, Grandma!)

The show is slated to open March 11th and 12th. We've been rehearsing since April...it's looking good, and we hope to be on our brand new stage in a brand new Theatre that's been completely renovated. Yes, I am Madame Director and Producer, and even perform in one of the acts with my husband...I lipsync (my specialty, for I can't sing or dance) and am doing a medley of Patsy Cline's songs..."Heartaches" and "Crazy". My husband "plays" a toy guitar from ToysRUS as "accompaniment." Can you imagine?

I had better quit and let someone else on.

Love ya' all...(I'm beginning to sound like Patsy
Cline!)

Grandma

Good morning Grandma! I have some demo software that claims to do that. I'm reading the Screenwriter's bible so I'm seeing why such an application would be invaluable. Thanks for the tip.

And thanks for your review of "Chicago". I'll have to go see. Your show will surely be a hit and I wish you'd won that lottery, we'd all be there for its opening. What a sweet thought
Grandma.

Kelli, I too recommend living on campus for the first semester, maybe two. Don't let your girlfriends get you playing "quarter bounce" too much and be careful at parties and clubs. Most of all: don't skip class!!!!
You're gonna' do great!

Morning Tim. If you enjoy cosmotology don't stop, You can just moonlight as a screenwritier. I was reading that the writer of one popular movie, maybe Jaws, sold his spec script for three million. I could live on that for a while.

Hey everyone! thanks so much for your support. I have been taking it all too heart. I live in Tennessee so I was thinking of the University of Tennessee, but maybe I do need to get out of the state!! ;) maybe Bailor.... Texas would you know about that one??
Grandma~ Im glad you liked Chicago, I really want to see that one, Im not a huge Richard Gere fan but I do like Catherine Zeta-Jones. I also hope you do wonderfully on you shows!!
Whitney and Tim~ Good luck on the screenwriting!!! ;)
I have to be off I have some christmas presents to return!! lol!! love to all
Kelli

Hello my name is Michela and I'm a Paul-aholic :)

Yes, acknowledging your problem is the first step to recovery. Well, that statement may be true, but it's not me who's the Paul-aholic.

I am the best friend that gave Caryn the DVD for X-mas, and re-activated her addiction to "hot Aussie boys". I thoroughly apologise. ;)

To Kelli:
I have read the advice given to you about looking for colleges. Take it seriously! Don't be like me and apply to one college, pray to get in, and then cry for joy when you get accepted. (I would have been screwed if I weren't accepted.) My main reason for doing that dealt with the application fees which I had to pay myself and couldn't afford for many colleges. (I'm not lazy, really!) :) I think with self-esteem, determination and support from family and friends you can achieve anything or go anywhere you wish to. GO GET THEM GIRL!!!
I find that High School means nothing in life. (so don't fret about it). I moved when I was 14 and switched schools; right after my first day of High School a girl that lives down the block called me and said "my friends and I don't want you to come back to school". I was in a new town and knew no one, I cried and Mom made me go back to school the next day. It was hard.

To Everyone:
I guess everyone can relate to problems in life. But, i'm going to say, no matter what comes your way, or makes your cry... be strong, always smile and remember the ones that are important will stick by you. I am only 21, and I worry about my life and future just as much as the next person. I suppose it's time to take a breath and see if I can swim with the rest of the fish in the sea.

Well, it's time to go watch "Strictly Ballroom" with Caryn... again. :)

~Michela

Ok, ok! I admit. Yes, I am a Paul-aholic.

I love you, Michela.

Off to feed my addiction... :)

Hey Michela, thanks for your advice, what you said about high school not meaning as much as its suppose too, your right and I have to always remember that! thanx ;)
You and Carlyn have fun watching SB, it is a very wonderful movie!! my addiction is probally aussie accents, I love them!! whenever I here someone who has an accent from Australia around I always have to go and make them talk to me!! lol

Hello everyone, I'm just catching up on the posts.

Whitney, I've been bad. Yes, I missed your electronic kicks. I know I only have myself to blame. I ate to many sausage rolls over the Holidays. GOD were they good! I never should have baked so many. I put on more of a spread in more ways than one. LOL. Now I have to get motivated again. Hey I have to say you write some really good replys to posts.

Tim, I'm still learning how to open up and share my feelings. Tt's an on going growth process. My family moved every year. My early years we lived in Europe, (my mother was English) and then came to the states. It was a bit of a culture shock for some of us. Moving every year state to state made me have to adapt. I always felt like a lost puppy. I feel very naive to alot of thing. I grew up without grandparents, cousins, aunt and uncles around. It was just the four of us. My parents have all but passed now. It wasn't until this Christmas did I realize just how much my mother really did give of herself. I now realize how forturnate I was to have seen so many places and share them with my family. Yes there was alot of pain there, but it has made me stronger to transition. My husband of 13 years says to me: I wish I had met you sooner. My reply to him was, I'm glad you didn't because I wouldn't have been the same person. Sounds strange I know but there is reason behind it. As for your sad days posts don't apologize for them. We all have our ups and downs. Your a bigger person than I in sharing them. It helps the healing process.

Kelli, I had forgotten those fears of making the right decisions in high school. That sure is alot of pressure. I ended up working for Ocean Engineering for the Navy. It was totally unexpected and not what I had planned but, it was a path that openned alot of doors and adventures in my life that I wouldn't change. Hang on to your instincts.

ADF, were are you?

Got to go the dog is thowing up!

Suz

Hey Suz. Sounds like you've been busy with the holidays. I'm gaining too and for similar reasons. This is when I usually get things going in the other direction. Truth is, exercise gives me energy and I feel more in touch with my body when my muscles are developing.

Flexibility is one of the first things we loose. Did you say you do yoga?

Goodnight Grandma

Good morning, Whitney, (and all!)

The sun is out, the temperature is rising, and all seems well this Sunday, a.m. I don't think I will turn on CNN too soon... that will ruin the whole day!

Love,

Grandma

Hey Grandma. This is gonna' be short because my dog knows the "Sunday Morning" show is over, so it's his turn for a walk. Do you watch the show?

Have a sunny day if possible.
Howdy to everyone.

p.s.
I think Paul owes us a post. Doesn't he?

Good morning everyone!
there's definitely a phone line conspiracy going on... the wires corroded somewhere and rather than wiping out the phone service to the entire neighborhood (as it should have) it only did mine. Oh well, had a few very quite days, got lots of uninterrupted sleep, hopefully shaking the second round of the flu soon--this is not how I had planned my term break!!!

Kelli, a lot of the advice that has been given to you in the meantime had also crossed my mind and so I won't repeat it. Perhaps the only thing (or two) to add, when people give you suggestions as to what profession they think you should go into, ask them why. That kind of feedback and your gut feeling response to it can give you a lot of insights into where your priorities lie and what is important to you. My relatives' suggestions told me very clearly that making the 6 figure income wasn't the highest priority for me but that it was important to me to work with people, to be able to combine my love of foreign languages and cultures with some artistic work etc. and in that sense, their feedback was valuable to me, because it showed me what I did not want to do with my life. Re. your question about Baylor University, I don't know what it is like there as a student, but a friend of mine, who was a faculty member there for several years, left, because the president of the university shifted the institution very much towards its affiliation with the Baptist church (I think that's the church affiliation) and expected the faculty to live that life style as well. I don't know how much that actually shapes the student life, but it is definitely something to think about whether or not you can live in an environment that is (strongly) influenced by religious or church affiliation. If you'd like, I can ask my friend for more input about how she felt that institutional shift impacted the teaching etc.

Caryn, as a German, I of course would like to know where in Germany you were and what you did there. The Weissbier comment makes me think most likely somewhere in the South, but who knows...

Welcome to Michelle. So how many times have you watched SB now?

Whitney, did you put images of your sculptures up on the web? I'd love to see them, if you care to share them in that way. I haven't done any sculputres in a long time, never was good at it, but always liked working with clay, kneading something into shape, I kind of only do that these days when I'm baking cookies or bread or cake. Love the feeling of sticky dough in my hands.

Grandma Mildred, will you adopt me too? All my grandparents have died, one I never knew because he died in WWII, another died when I was five and my grandmas have also died in the mean time. I guess I'm missing some "grandparently" attention :)

Tim, reading you longer post about all the things you have done and accomplished, be proud of yourself!!!! You have accomplished a lot and it seems that there's more left for you to accomplish. Your dreams don't have to come true all at once (do they ever???), give them time and in the meantime be proud and content with all the things you have done. I know being content and joyful in difficult circumstances is tough, I'm having a hard time with that myself right now, but it is pretty amazing when you do achieve that moment of contentedness and I find it in the most unexpected situations or people (for you it seems that was your daughter's smile the other day) and it shows me how truly blessed I am and that there is a hidden blessing in the fact that I didn't get any job interviews and now have to wait a year before I can apply again. I decided to take this year to explore more options and listen to my instincts which are telling me very interesting things, are openining up many questions, but most of all, it will all work out in some way and I've experienced that many times before that something much more interesting is coming my way when all the doors shut rather vehemently in the one direction that I had explored. Yes, I could stick my head into the sand in frustration and only see the unfairness of it all, but I also have the choice to rise above that and see all the good things in my life, in me and enjoy them and that's much more valuable to me. Do I achieve that on a consistent basis? Hell no! I keep slipping and sliding all over the place sometimes on dangerously thin ice, sometimes on thicker (Hmmm, here's a thought, find the ice skates (the ones for my emotional life), it might help) But I surely will focus on that and keep working towards that goal, and at times that means doing absolutely nothing, just being, not struggling. I'm not sure if this is making all too much sense the way I put this, but I don't know how else to put it.

Enough said for now and to Whitney and Suz who want to have the motivating electronic kick to get into shape, here it is "KICK" I'll join you as soon as I shake the flu.

Love to all and with wishes of inner peace and contentedness.

Evelyn

Whitney: Yes, this post will make 70, and Christmas is over, so I expect our Paul will be changing the topic soon, probably in a New Year's frame of mind...Happy New Year, everyone, with prayers for PEACE, good health, and good fortune, and at the stroke of midnight, hoist high a cold bottle of Coors! (I still don't touch the stuff!)

Love,

Grandma

Evelyn~ I loved your comments! I will ask them!, i actually asked my Mom that question yesterday and she said she'd like to see my in Business, you know something to do with marketing. As for Baylor, I have heard some thngs just like what you were saying, I am babtist but i don't want to do anything religion wise after school so im not sure about going there for that reason! ;) and please ask your friend! that would be so wonderful! ;) I hope you get over your flu soon!

Grandma~ Enjoy that sun!! ;) and Happy New year to you too!

Paul-
Whilst reading your past posts I have come to so completely admire you. You are poet with a gift of crafting language into the magnificance of the eternal soul. You have a depth of character and capacity for compassion that so many people lack these days especially here in America. My faith in life is renewed when a person like you is brave enough to open up and share you inner most thoughts with an unforgiving wourld. Please please do not be too hard on yourself because you are a truely beautiful person. You have a beauty that radiates beyond anything physical. You have many talents so take pride in what you do. If I read correctly, your brother committed suicide. My heart goes out to you for having to bear the pain of that loss. I have attempted suicide and I know the emotional anguish that something of this magnitude can wreak on the lives of loved ones. I hope with all my soul that prosperity will shine on you for the rest of life. You are an inspiration to me. Love, Jenn

Hi everyone:
My posts on the positive things in my life really helped me focus for a few days. I wasn't so down. Like it was said...you can't expect all your surprises and gifts to come all at once. I just feel geographically cemented to the ground. If I could just get out of here for awhile.
Anyway, I spoke with one of my clients yesterday that happens to be a lawyer about going to law school. She thought I'd have no problem with it, except she asked me if it was in my heart. I told her NO..I just needed her paycheck. She laughed and completely understood, but she said you'll never last. It's hard, ungrateful work. She admonished me to pick up a few consulting clients with my CPA background to bring in some dough and continue with my Cosmetology focus. Go to New York, take more classes. Go to London as well. I have a way to apprentice in London for 3 months with some really cool leaders in the industry. It would really give me an edge. The suburb of Atlanta that i work in commands decent enough prices Grandma. Cuts are anywhere from $40 to $100. Hilights $125 and up. I can do four people in a day and have a total of $900. You can do a $1000 a day here easy...just have to s l o w l y build that following. The football players, baseball, basketball, news anchors etc. . . all live out here. Plus some of the Rap artists have homes in Country club of the south..which is about a mile from our salon.
Hope everyone has a great Sunday or Monday which ever time zone you're in when you read this.
And here's to a great new year!!!!
To bad we can't creat a chat room where we can meet some where on New Years Day/eve for a little while.

Tim

Thanks, Kelli, the same to you and yours!

Evelyn, the adopted grandchild tent is wide open, and you are welcome! The more the merrier!

Grandmas are supposed to be wise, worldly, and I do not pretend to be either. I can speak from experience in some areas, but when I was the age of you young women, the world was so different, simple, and safe!

My peers, today 70's+, were children in the "Greatest Generation" that author Tom Brokaw writes about.

My husband Elliott and I married young. If one wasn't engaged or married by age 21, parents would start to worry! I was 20 and he was 22, and
we met during the Korean War, state-side, in the small Nebraskan town where he was stationed as a Marine. He was running the PX at the Marine Base that was in our town. We kept company for almost a year, married, and on his discharge from the service, moved to New York to start our civilian life...now, 50 years later, we are the proud parents of three girls, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. (Now, I have "adopted" a few more on this site and I love it!)

One lovely young lady, in her early 20s and a student still in teacher's college, asked me the secret of our long marriage. I answered her that it really was no secret, just loads of love, patience, compassion, understanding, a sense of humor, reasonably good health, and lots and lots of GOOD LUCK! Elliott and I, in retirement are inseparable, and feel so fortunate to still be together, for in our retirement world, so many people are, sadly, alone.

I also told this young lady that as her "adopted" Grandma, I predict that someday she too would find the right person with whom to spend her life and how lucky the person would be who would love her for a lifetime too!

Once more with love,

Grandma

Hey Grandma. I wrote a message earlier but the electric went off before it got sent. I hope you had a good day any way. I wished you one.

I'm glad you've been blessed with such a long and steady relationship. I always thought I would marry around 27 or so. I don't know why I picked that age. It just sounded old enough to me. No one pressured me and I knew I couldn't choose the right person at such a young age. I'm glad I haven't married; I would have surely gotten a divorce.

Hey Evelynn. Sorry you're sick! Wasn't once enough for you?

I thought you gave Kelli some important info concerning the imposed belief system at Baylor. I'm teaching drawing for 3 weeks at a Christian Middle School and the guy that hired me, said they'd just begun teaching Darwin's theory of Evolution!

He said they still didn't endorse that explaination, but felt that the kids should learn about it in order to contest it later in life. That was spooky to me; I don't have a problem considering Evolution as a plausable explaination of how this incredible diversity of life came to exist. Unless these people really have somthing to offer, I would consider other schools more seriously because I'd be afraid they might somehow base the curriculum on some personal interpretation of their belief systems. I'm definitely for seperation of church and state. I guess it's even more important to keep politics out of school as well while introducing everyone to the variety of political systems.

Hey Tim, it sounds like your lawyer friend is giving you great advice. Consulting pays well, I hear. You get paid to provide advice in your area of expertise, without a lot of responsibility. That sounds like my kind of work! And if I were you and I really, passionately wanted an exceptional cosmotology career, I'd do the apprenticeship; you can never have to much training, and I'd go to London. It'll be a hardship of sorts, but it's just 3 months and think of what you could do! If I had any sense, I'd probably be running off to Europe myself. This looks like a crossroads opportunity.

Welcome Jenn! Everyone here shares your enthusiasm for Paul's talent. I hope you keep posting. You express yourself very well!

Well, goodnight Grandma. God willing, I'll talk with you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

Evelyn,

Aha, Sie kommen aus Deutschland? Woher? Ich war ein Sommer in Bayern. Sie haben richtig geratet - deswegen mag ich Weissbier so viel! ;) Ich musste uberall im Bundesland reisen, denn ich arbeitete fur den Reisefuehrer "Let's Go". Mein lieblings Staedte waren Berchtesgaden und Ramsau.

Ich spreche Deutsch fast fleissig, aber nicht ganz perfect. Ich will mehr lernen, und so wenn ich eine (oder mehr!) grosse Fehler gemacht habe, koennen Sie mich korrugieren?

Danke, und tschuss! :)
Caryn

Whitney
Thanks for the support. My wife's been really digressing on my decision to go back to school. The London switch would be OK, but at least 3 mores years of school....well it scares the hell out of her. The apprenticeship comes with a nice wage plus commission and the pound is a lot higher than the dollar. I'd rather go down under, actually I tried, but it's the complete opposite there. Definitely giving everything consideration and will make some decisions after the 1st.

Thanks
Tim

BACK from vacation! (blech!)

Except the thrill of "seeing" you guys again, this job has no draw. We're working on our "dream" of our small self-sustaining farm, my husband and I, but unfortunately it means I work four ten-hour days and he goes to school full-time. It's frustrating. And it makes me feel mean and ungracious. And some days it seems the only reward is cleaning chicken poop off the front porch where they've found shelter from the wind blowing up the valley. (Never mind the gorgeous coop my husband built them...apparently that's only good for sleeping and laying eggs in---ingrates!)

*sigh*
Anyway, to stay in the loop:

Tim = Artist. Period. Why bother entertaining other avenues?

Caryn = I was just in Ithaca Thursday! Visiting my bro in Cortland. Harvard, eh? Dude...could you have set the bar any higher? ;-) Good luck on your training. I dated an Olympic-hopefull, a luger (of course all my girlfriends called him a "loser" 'cause he waited tables when he wasn't in Innsbruck or Calgary or Placid training. Twenty yr old females can be N*A*S*T*Y!!! Ignore them. They'll dissappear in no time. Honest.

Evelyn - Alfalfa tea, hon. Boost ya right up.

Gr. Mildred - I love hearing your enthusiasm and generosity. It nourishes me.

About opposites and degrees: Remember, depression is only one end of a linear feeling. Move a few steps to the right and you're on your way to elation. They are the SAME feeling, only varying in degree.

Suz - what are ya feeding that dog? ;-) If it's anything like mine (oh GOD, I can;t even describe what they dragged out of the woods the other day--intestines? Wadded up carcass? All I know is they were playing "Keep Away" with it in the snow. Yuck!)Gotta love animals that rule your world. ;-)

Re: age/career/HS
Go with your gut. Always. Don't EVER follow the money. Ever. Never! It's evil and will take you down and make you compromise SOMETHING along the way. Always. I'm 36 yrs old, married at 30 (dodged SEVERAL bouts of "ooh, I think this could be The One, and afterall, I'm not getting any younger..." and finally realized my best friend and cute drinking buddy wanted the same things outta life as I did: two little boys, life in the country, and Newfoundlands. (The chickens were my idea. ;-) )

And, PAUL...OMG!!! I know how you LOVE "coincidences"...I've had a "silent" favorite movie of ALL time, like, since I was 16 or 17. Hardly anyone knew of it, and it was about love, and the Country, and horses, and feeling a bit jeuvenile, and realizing I was probably holding on a little TOO tightlty to my horse-crazed pre-adolescence, I never told a soul about it. My Dad and I watched it I think on HBO when HBO was in it's infancy. I never mentioned it to ANYONE. Ever. It was my little private memory-secret.

The movie showed up in my stocking from my husband. I was ELATED...got all snuggled up with the kids and hub, put it in, and heard the thundering of horses...then the music...and as the (whatever they call the Introductory credits) started, I got goosebumps just from the sensations I was enveloped in. THEN...a name totally takes me by surprise..."Gus Mercurio"! I shouted out, "GUS MERCURIO?!" in apparent over-reaction due to my husband's reaction.

I had no idea your Dad was in (and played MY Dad's favourite character) "The Man From Snowy River". Now, you all (Aussie's) probably hate the flick due to it's countrifying your homeland, stereocasting, etc. Tough shit. I LOVE it. ;-)It's molded me, helped shape my character by way of my relationship with my Dad, who is now deceased. I almost cried thinking of you and your Dad, not knowing any details, and not prodding for any either, just the endearing thought of parallels that exist in the universe. Sappy, yes. But hey...I'll take the "feel good" feeling when it comes.

Other news: My bro called to inform me he had historically traced our ancestry back to 1622 (Perthshire, Scotland) and is hoping to connect that to one of my (what he calls "freaky Spirit Talking") visions to the Murrays of Atholl. It's amazing, how I've said I never needed to know from whence we came, as concentrating on where I am now and where I'm going have been enough for me. I practice a belief system based on historical and archeological finds from Scotland and Wales because I've always "felt" and sensed a connection. Now it's materializing. Amazing!

Ah, the holidays...Tilting "Blue Moon" Beltian White, lugging bags of chicken feed, sledding with the kids, and pushing Newf's off the sledding paths have exhausted me...I must get to my "work" now so I can earn a paycheck and get back to the REAL fun of living!

Go with your guts, people. That little voice in your head, that pull of your heart...it's not just "coincidence" or can it be tossed off as "being too emitional" (ie: "not rational"). You're on this planet, in this skin, only once. Know It. Own It. Shine It. Share It.

Happy New Year, ya'll. I'm going to sign off til Thursday I think...get an early start on my NY's resolution of "working more while at work". Sort of a given, but...(as I sit here and type, I slack, so...)

Ciao, my friends,
Dhiana

Dhiana,

OMG you were in my town! I live in Cortland!! Caryn was here just the other day too. Funny. Also, a weird coincidence... I love "the man from snowy river" and "return to snowy river". I too never got over that adolescent-girl-horse-craze.(cowboys are damn sexy too, but only when they stop smelling like the dead deer carcus or cow pies my dog keeps finding and rolling in). I think I like the movies so much because it makes me feel like I can do anything, that the world doesn't all belong to the aristocrats. Not that we are supposed to have artistocats in the US, but there are. It's just one of those feel-good-horsey-hot-stud movies. :)

I decided to ditch my parent's influence over my career(bio-engineering) and became an art student(computer artist), and I take whatever class makes me happy. Currently, i'm squeezing my way into horseback riding, digital audio, and contemplating experimental flat glass work. I realized that making myself miserable to do what my parents wanted for me (they want me to find a job and support myself with a high paying job) wasn't working. I am an artist, and if I starve... I can always live off my brother. :) haha

as to those who ask me how many times I have seen SB... NOT AS MANY AS CARYN!!!!

Oh by the way, Caryn... you still got that German!! I could still understand it, but i'm loosing it fast. Come over and spank it back into me. :)

Everyone: have a great new years eve... i'll be spending it with Caryn. YAY! :) Come join us!

Smile everyone! :)

~Michela

Tim,

Don't loose heart. My mom went to college while my sister was in college, and my brother and I were in HS. She said it was the hardest thing she ever did, but had to do it. Don't let other people bring you down, or sway you one way or another.

keep your chin up!

~Michela

"You see, I want a lot.
Perhaps I want everything:
the darkness that comes with every infinite fall
and the shivering blaze of every step up."

-Ranier Maria Rilke

Hey Grandma and everyone! Had a better post for you this morning, but inadvertently lost it again. Oh well, I hope everyone is having a fine day. It's cold as hell in WV. I want to move to Hawaii!

Love and best wishes for the New Year!
Whitney

I keep forgeting to thank you for asking about my sculpture Evelynn. If you want to see some pictures all you have to do is click on my name and it links you to my site.

Some of the pictures are pretty good. My last sweetheart was a photographer and that was awfully darn handy. The pictures that suck are the best I could do at the time. It's an ongoing process. The site is sorely in need of my loving attention.
Whit

Grandma Mildred: thank you:0) yes i do appreciate you "seniors"(im really sorry for using that word!i hate it!).u guys had really good taste in fashion too....especially in shoes...well done!!!!!!

Hi guys,

I just finished going over some of the very old posts. (gosh, lots of stuff going on here! I'm sorry I missed it before!) Anyway, it made me want to address everyone individually. Obviously I can't do it all at once, for that would take a long time, but eventually I hope to offer something to everyone, so that nobody feels left out like Pam did a few months ago. So, here goes...

Dhiana - Hurray for upstate NY! Party at my place New Year's... or any other time you'd like to stop by :) (although I'm only home for holidays these days). I'm surprised that your friends called your luger boyfriend "loser" because by my definition, a loser is somebody who has no dreams or goals. That man obviously had a dream, and he was doing what he needed to make it happen, even if it's waiting tables. My brother is currently in New Zealand waiting tables and tagging along with the America's Cup sailing because he wants to be a grinder someday. Lastly, thanks for reminding me of The Man From Snowy River - I love that movie! (Not as much as SB, but it's close :) Were you one of those horse-crazy girls, too, like Michela and I were?

Whitney - I just read your first post. Wow. You are a really strong person. It's especially interesting to me as a psychology major... both the stuff about your dad's battle with schizophrenia, and the social psychology about marriage.

Tim - Firstly, thanks for welcoming me to the board a few days ago. That made me feel really great. :) Secondly, I read your list of stuff you've done in your life, and I think you should be damn proud! You made lots (if not all) of your dreams happen, all by yourself. Well done. Keep your chin up! You obviously were NOT "young and stupid" at my age, as you claimed to be! I say take that position in London, if it's what you really want to do.

Grandma - I already have two grandmas, but I both my grandpas are dead, so can I adopt BOTH you and your husband as grandparents? :)

Michela - still love ya. :) See you tomorrow.

Ok, I've got to go get ready for dinner with the family, but I'll continue with some more personal responses later. But, before I go, one last one...

Paul - Have you read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" (or anyone here, for that matter)? I assume you have, seeing as you're into motorcycles, but if you haven't, I highly recommend it. I think it'd really speak to you. I found it tough to plough through at times - really deep stuff - but definitely worth it. My favourite (notice the Aussie/British spelling... hehe) part was the discussion of Quality and how it relates to Excellence.

Ciao!
Caryn

Tim - why is it we achieve so much but only see what we havent?? I am glad your positive speel made you feel good. Often remembering the good stuff lifts us up out of the doldrums and in fact reaffirms what we should reaffirm every day and that is the wonderment of our selves. Like I said in a post several months ago I am trying to maintain a positive mind - think positive, reflect positive, daydream positive, reaffirm positive, just be positive as often as I can. What comes from that is a more positive me - health, prosperity, love, laughter etc

Caryn - a comment on your comment - judgement in any form is not a positive action. Use a different word perhaps as it will contain a different power - "appraise" might be a good one. Can you see/feel a difference when you appraise yourself instead of judge your self. Same outcome less guilt??

Jennifer, welcome and thankyou for your words and praise! I blushed for several long moments!!! In fact still am!

To all have a great new year. I am typing this at work during a quiet time. I wanted to start a new post for the new year but I cannot from here and as Im having friends over for pizza and beer tonight wont type a new post till next year - tomorrow.

As for Xmas I will be living in the next year for several hours before a lot of you - one of the benefits of living "down under". I will welcome the New Year in with love and postivity for all. May it bring Love, Joy, Health , Harmony and Properity to all of us.

See ya next year.
Love Paul

Hi Grandma Mildred, I do love having you as my new grandma!!!! :) I hope you have a good imagination, so please picture me doing the happy dance on my desk chair bouncing around in my office/kitchen/dining room. But this should go both ways, so what do you want there to be in it for you? (somehow I think I didn't quite get this question right, I hope you get the message and if someone figures out how this question should be in "proper" English, let me know). And I think I'm going "to argue" with you right away, what do you mean when you say you're not wise. Do you know how much it meant to me just today when I read about how you and your husband met and how you maintain your relationship and how you show me that it is possible to maintain a loving and fun relationship for so long? Thank you for sharing this, it really meant a lot to me!!! and in a world where so many relationships are breaking (e.g. my sister and her partner are just now breaking up, two friends of mine are getting a divorce) this is really inspiring hope in me and nourishing my soul in a positive way.

Caryn, I give you the two thumbs up on your German & if I had more thumbs, you'd get those too. But you really don't have to use the ultra polite "Sie" with me, "du" is much more to my liking, even though you did of course what they tell you to do and kind of is "culturally appropriate." Sorry for not responding in German here, but I don't want to exclude those who don't know this fabulous language (hmmmm ....... :)) and I'm from Linkenheim, but I'd guess that won't help you at all, as it is a small town outside of Karlsruhe (that you might know) which is on the northern edge of the Black Forrest, close to France, south of Heidelberg and Frankfurt, in the state of Baden (-Württemberg) and thus endeth my German geography lesson. If you ever feel like having an email exchange in German, you can email me. I don't think I get enough opportunities to use it myself :) and Michela, if you want to join in, please do, might be more effective than Caryn spanking it back into you, even though I'm not calling Caryn's spanking skills into question ... :)

Whitney, I will look at your sculputres after I get done typing here. I know what you mean about the loving attention of websites, trying to update the work site over break and ignoring my own. Never thought how much time and energy that could take up.

Paul, thank you for sharing your maintaining positivity throughout your own ups and downs. That too is incredibly inspiring and I shall follow my own version of the example you are setting. And thank you for all your good wishes to all of us and may you too have a very happy new year in which you will be showered with positivity, love, harmony and inner peace & good fortunes, and for that matter everyone else as well. Paul, I hope you will enjoy your however many hours head start :)

Love,
Evelyn

Tim, I'm glad that your own positive list helped you in the way it did and London, I'd jump at that opportunity, but I know easier said for me who is absolutely single and perhaps has greater mobility in that sense. Definitely love London!!! Can I ask the "dumb" question? What does CPA stand for? I hope that the positive thoughts are continuing to spread throughout your own sould and being and also extend to your family and friends!

Dhiana thanks for the tea tip, I was going out to buy some more tea today anyway and since I saw the Alfalfa tea, bought some, had some, liked it and remembered it as a tea I loved when I still lived on the other side of the Atlantic and thus savored some childhood memories along with it.

Hmm, not quite sure how I messed up the order in my own post, oh well, but I just remembered something else. On the subject of finding your own way and keeping your spirits up, I saw the Australian movie "Rabbit Proof Fence" yesterday, and speaking of relying on your inner strength and beliefs in adverse circumstances... gave me a lot to think about.

Evelyn-C.P.A. in the United States is Certified Public Accountant. When I worked for a firm I worked for one of the now Big 4. Deloitte & Touche, KPMG, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, E & Y. The big news last year was the giant of CPA firms went down Arthur Andersen (at that time is was called the Big 5)...the whole ENRON scam. I worked in Audit and produced financial statements for public companies traded on the Stock Exhange and then enusred that all of the Securities and Exchange Commission filings were timely made and acurate. This of course includes annual reports. In London they are called Chartered Accountants. The Big 4 are worldwide. I had wanted to work in the Australian office with Deloitte & Touche, but they didn't need anyone when I was available. That help?

Expressing my positive findings did indeed make me feel great. In a moment of complete desperation reaffirming what you have done and why you are here can be very helpful. At least I didn't swallow that whole bottle of Xanax. I decided to keep on going. You can really get panicky when all the doors are shutting in your face and the lights go out. That's when you get the sledge hammer out and just start swinging.

Thanks for reading my post Paul. I still find it utterly amazing that you do this. That I'm actually communicating with someone whose work I admire and draw strength from. Thank you for that and thank your wife and children for giving up some of their time away.

Can't believe 2003 is day after tomorrow and it's Hapy New Year for the OZ families tomorrow. How cool.

Later guys
Tim

It's 1.10 pm as I type and the next year begins in less than 11 hours!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year (soon) GUYS!!!!!

This really has nothing to do with your post, and as such I apologize, but I simply have to ask you something. As appropriately romantic teenage girls, my friend and I are huge fans of Baz Lurhmann's films, and especially your work in "Strictly Ballroom". You're probably sick of that film by now, but it had to be said.
Recently, we both received the Red Curtain Trilogy as gifts, and were shocked and appalled to see that not only was there no footage of you in the Extras disk, but your name was not mentioned in the Special Thanks Credits... while the leading actors from the other films, and your co- star Tara Morice, were.
It is not our wish to stir up bad feelings or make trouble, but we are genuinely curious as to whether something transpired between you and Mr. Luhrmann, or whether this is all a gross oversight. We realize that professional courtesy may prevent you from divulging all of what happened, but whatever you could reveal would be greatly appreciated. And we promise not to tell.
Thank you and congratulations on a great career,
Danielle and Gia

Paul - Yes, you're right; "self-appraisal" is a better word for it. Like I said, as long as it's done with self-improvement as the goal (and also love, i.e. you're not too hard on yourself), then it's a good thing. Without assessing our progress, we would never get any closer to our dreams and goals.

Unfortunately, all of the ways I have to assess my progress these days are brutally objective - but at least they're honest. I've got final exams coming up in two weeks. (Eeek!) And my coach demands that I send in erg scores (that's a fitness test on the rowing machine). It's kind of sad that I tend to measure my self-worth by the numbers on the screen of a stupid rowing machine (while all but passing out from lactic acid at the same time!), but that's the necessary truth. I suppose it's kind of like how some people measure their self-worth by the numbers on the scale. But hey, if your goal is to lose weight, then ya gotta do what ya gotta do!

Speaking of which, how's the fitness program coming? And Whitney and Tim, too... need any more electronic kicks in the butt? :) I feel a bit hypocritical doing so at the moment, since I've been sitting on my ass for 6 weeks, but as soon as I'm back in action (no pun intended...), we can compare training logs. (You'd better get going... I've been known to work out for upwards of 3hrs/day!) So here goes... KICK!!

Evelyn - Good point. Don't want to leave our friends out for not speaking German (although if anyone wants to learn, I'd be happy to teach him or her some fun phrases!) I've sent you an email auf Deutsch. (Und jetz deine Antwort bekommen habe... deswegen einfuege ich diese kleine Dinksbumps.) heheh. ;)

Everyone - I seem to remember that awhile ago somebody suggested that we "post" pictures of ourselves, so that we can't "hide behind our computer screens", while Paul is up there for all to see. (Was that you, Whit? Can I call you Whit??)

I think that's a great idea (maybe that's just cause I have some pics I want to share.) :) So here's my contribution:
1) http://www.row2k.com/cgi-bin/picture_frame2.pl?2002summer/2002worldmonheatsW8USA2-01.jpg
(That's all one URL... just comes out on two lines here.) This is racing in the heat at the World Champs. I'm the one second from left, with the monkey-face. (I know, I look funny, but looking good is obviously not a priority while racing!)
2) http://www.row2k.com/cgi-bin/picture_frame2.pl?2002summer/2002worldSunW8medalUSA9-01.jpg
Ahh, the victorious moment. USA on the podium. I'm the tall one with the visor (yep, I'm 6'4"! (that's 190cm in Oz))

Anybody else have any fun pictures you'd like to share?

Happy New Year to all, especially to you and your family, Paul, since you're probably in the process of celebrating at this very moment! Woo-hoo!

Hey, here's an idea... why don't we all post our New Year's resolutions? Then we can help each other keep them with a few more electronic kicks in the derriere. (Or a good spanking, like you requested, Michela. lol. Just kidding.)

Caryn

Tim - has anyone ever told you that "Deloitte & Touche" reminds them of "Toilette and Douche"? Well, I just did. lol. Sorry, I was just reading the discussion of "pfft" a couple months ago, and how someone asked if y'all were talking about a fart. Potty humour is always good for a laugh. True adults never grow out of it. :)

Off to knead some bread for the partay tomorrow. Paul, got any recipies for good beer-bread?

Well Happy New Year Paul! Friends, beer and pizza? Celebrations don't get any better! Thanks for sharing with us through your heart-felt posts. I see so much positivity in them and they clearly bring a positive energy to me and others who read them.

Assessment is a good alternative to the term judgement. I chose discernment to get around that word.

I knew Jenn's post would make you blush. How does your wife deal with the "ego" these well deserved fan letters must generate? I hope she gets a kick out of your blog. Does she read it?

It's really late; I woke up in the middle of the night again, so I'm going to respond to all the cool posts tomorrow. Most of those folks won't need a New Year's wish until then anyway. So this is just for you Paul.

God bless you and your family in 2003, with everything you wished for us. You're an awfully efficient well wisher! And, of course, drink a hearty brew for me. Love, Whitney

Dear Paul,

I'm am early riser, so being it's 4:00 a.m. in Florida, it's 8:00 p.m. in your part of Australia, and you're probably partying (I hope) with one eye on the clock, waiting for the stroke of midnight!

May the New Year bring you and yours good health, (without that, what good is anything) and all the good things that you wish for yourself and your loved ones.

Caryn: Of course, you may adopt my husband (Elliott) as your grandpa! (I'm offering him, without his permission yet, but knowing him, he won't mind..he'd be quite flattered!)

Evelyn, your words were so sweet, so touching...thank you. Yesterday, while driving with Elliott, I told him about all the posts that are on the site, and especially, about the story of our life together that I had posted...then, all of sudden, I started "singing" one of the songs from my variety show. It is a duet from the movie and Broadway show of "Gypsy". (No, I can't sing..another woman and man are doing it!)

Elliott started humming along, and I'm just grateful he was able to concentrate on his driving!

The song is TOGETHER, WHEREVER WE GO. Here are the lyrics:

Wherever we go, whatever we do,
We're gonna go through it together,
We may not go far,
But sure as a star,
Wherever we are, it's together!
Wherever I go, I know he goes,
Wherever I go I know she goes,
No fits, no fights, no feuds and no egoes,
Amigoes, Together!
THROUGH THICK AND THROUGH THIN,
All out or all in,
And whether it's win, place or show,
It's you for me, and me for you,
We'll muddle through whatever we do,
TOGETHER, WHEREVER WE GO!!!

(This song, and Frank Sinatra's "All the Way" can both be deemed "our song"...aw, shucks!)

And for you, Paul, Tim, and everyone, from my show too:

Everything's Coming Up Roses:

You'll be swell, you'll be great,
Gonna have the whole world on your plate,
Starting here, starting now,
Honey, everything's comin' up roses,
Now's your inning,
Stand the world on its ear,
Set it spinning,
That'll be just the beginning,
Curtain up,
Light the lights,
You've got nothing to hit but the heights,
You'll be swell,
You'll be great,
I can tell, just you wait,
That lucky star I talked about is due,
Honey, everything's coming up roses
For me and for you!

So, dear young people, for the New Year, wherever you go, whatever you do, may it be with good health, good fortune, love, and peace!

Love,

Grandma

Goodmorning Grandma. I can just see you and your Elliot driving along, singing that song. Thanks for sharing the lyrics.

Caryn, kick me tomorrow morning, better make that afternoon, around 3pm EST.

I looked up your online images! Rowwing looks like fun! Your "monkey face" description made me laugh when I saw the picture. What a beautiful bunch of people at the podium!

Evelynn, yes that's me. The original picture's in color and I'm squinting with my other eye so I cropped the image down and desaturated it in Photoshop. It usually looks too dark on a PC computer screen (I'm a mac user). I need to do another one, but other things are more pressing.

You can call me Whit. I get called that by friends and family. You'll just have to be my friend.

Danielle and Gia are probably the first of an ocean of people who'll be looking for information about you Paul. It would be nice if it was easy for people to complain via email. Who's really responsible for the ommision?

Tim, thanks for that explanation about CPAs, that did help and keep the happy thoughts going (or the sledge hammer swinging) and if things get too dark and close in on you again, you know where you can get support, right?

Grandma Mildred, please don't get into a car accident!!! and thanks for posting the lyrics. Keep having so much fun with your husband... :) Please say Hello to him for me and wish him a Happy New Year and I might just have to adopt him as Grandpa too. :) but also a very happy new year to you as well.

Whitney, your sculptures are absolutely gorgeous!!!!! and I like your artist's statement as well. How big are they? Kind of hard to tell from the pictures, but I like the materials you work with, the clean, yet intricate lines of the sculptures. You are giving me all sorts of ideas now what to do with my time instead of finishing the dissertation, good thing I'm fairly well disciplined. :) If only I had more time (and space) I might just have to mess around with sculptures--the artist in me definitely awoke this summer, but so far I've only done black and white pencil drawings whenever I find the time, but for X-mas I got an artistic color pencil set (from my sister) and from Mum a professional water color set (I used to do that back in high school). It is so cool that they all decided to support and nourish that part of me. Art is definitely good for the soul!

To the anonymous poster...Toilette and Douche...yes we heard it. When I was in the biz, there traditions that people spoke of, back when it was the Big "8" Coopers & Lybrand were said to NOT wear underwear they were such "swingers" while Price Waterhouse people were said to "starch" there's.

It would be nice if we could all post a picture on this site. Maybe under "Friends of Paul" Of course I'd only post my picture from when I was 32... : ) just kidding I'd post the real McCoy and let everyone watch me shrink...

Almost 2003 here in Atlanta...4:45pm..so that would be 8:45am 1/2 in Australia...my how time flies...the new year is already over...

Tim

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